Theoretical approaches linked to positivism and quantitative research methods

Positivists generally support a theoretical model of society that is based on the idea that there is some form of structure that exists independently of individual view, perceptions or desires - sometimes known as the structural model of society. There are two main theoretical approaches that are most closely linked to positivism and both base their approaches on the idea of structure: structural functionalism and Marxism.

Structural functionalism

-This derives from the work of Parsons and was heavily influenced by Durkheim and to a lesser extent by Weber. Argues institutions exist in society…